Edge Davao | Vol 11 Issue 231 | Sunday-Monday, February 10-11, 2019

VOL.11 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 -11, 2019

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DBP, MINDA TO PARTNER IN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

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EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

FRESH NEW BEGINNINGS AT THE WATERFRONT

INDULGE A1

SECRETS. President Rodrigo Duterte shows the book “Altar of Secrets” by Aries Rufo while delivering his speech during the Peace and Order Summit for Barangay Officials held at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legazpi City, Albay on Friday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

GOODBYE, ARMM Hataman, 5,000 of 34,000 employees ready to leave

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT and LEEBAI SINSUAT AMBOLODTO

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AVAO CITY – High ranking officials and employees finally bade goodbye to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), as they are set to be replaced under the new entity – the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman were joined by Vice Governor Haroun AlRashid Lucman Jr., Social Welfare Secretary Laisa Alamia Masuhud, other regional cabinet secretaries

and employees on Friday’s flag retreat ceremony at the ARMM Office of the Regional Governor in Cotabato City.

Lucman posted on his official Facebook account,

photos posed behind a giant tarpaulin which bore the message: “Thank you and Goodbye, ARMM.” ARMM was first created in 1989, by virtue of the Republic Act No. 6734 signed into law by the late President Corazon C. Aquino.

After 30 years, it will be replaced by BARMM, after getting a “yes” vote from the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite conducted last January 21 and

February 6.

Gov. Hataman said in an official statement posted on his Facebook page, that he is thankful to the people of the Bangsamoro, the national government, Commission on Elections (COMELEC), security personnel and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) for the successful conduct of the BOL plebiscite.

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Japan expands presence, visa operation in Davao

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okyo is expanding its presence and consular operations to Mindanao, with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono inaugurating the newest Japan Consulate-General in Davao on Sunday, the Japanese Embassy here said.

“We newly opened a consulate-general in

Davao and its official inauguration is coming this Sunday,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda told reporters on the eve of Kono’s official visit to the country.

The official opening follows the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Davao in

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 -11, 2019

CAMP RAJA MUDA. Freshwater fish sold for 70 to 80 pesos a bunch at the newly-built fish landing facility of Barangay Rajah Muda in Pikit North Cotabato on Thursday. The barangay is also the base of Camp Raja Muda, home to the Eastern Mindanao Front of the armed wing of the soon-to-be-decommissioned Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Mindanews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

orders AFP, PNP DBP, MinDA to partner Duterte to stay neutral in May polls in development projects L

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

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he Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), being one of the support bank of the government’s Build Build Build Project, formalized its partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA),to expedite development projects for the island.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) - signing took place on Friday morning, at MinDA office in Sasa, Davao City, by key officials led by MinDA chairman Secretary Abul Khayr Alonto and DBP chief executive officer and president Cecilia Borromeo.

DBP chairman Alberto Romulo arrived in Davao City for the signing, but was not feeling well last Friday. His remark was read by former Vice Mayor Luis C. Bonguyan, DBP director.

The partnership, stated in the MOU, will help fasttrack MinDA’s flagship proj-

UK Embassy to lead active crusade on media freedom

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hroughout 2019, the British Embassy in Manila would be leading Britain’s global campaign on media freedom in the Philippines.

“In the coming months, you will see us in the Embassy very active on this issue,” British Ambassador to Manila Daniel Pruce told reporters during a reception at his residence in Makati on Thursday.

“You will see us standing up for media freedom where we see it under threat. You will see us sharing our experience of how free media is an essential element of any genuine democracy,” he added.

Among the activities lined up in 2019 are lectures on media literacy, and events focused on supporting professional journalism and encouraging

exchange of views on media regulation.

The envoy said 2018 was one of the “deadliest years ever for journalists,” where at least 348 media workers were detained, and 80 killed, “including six from the Philippines.”

Around the world, Pruce noted that journalists and media organizations are targeted and harassed, “often under the thin veneer of due process.’

He noted that supporting a free media “means countering the incoming tides of disinformation.”

“While it has never been easier to publish and receive information, it has also never been easier to spread lies and conspiracy theories. So the professional standards of cou-

ect and programs, which were approved as part of the Philippine Development Plan for 2017-2022. These include the Trans-Mindanao High Speed Railway System, Mindanao Development Corridor (MinDC) Airports, MinDC Seaports and MinDC Agro-Economic Zones.

“DBP will be offering financial advisory services to help MinDA evaluate projects that will further develop Mindanao,” Borromeo said.

She said that the 72 years of DBP’s operation will be an edge as the bank had experi-

ences in financial advisory, including evaluation of projects to be prioritized and how to financially structure the projects in the bank’s pipeline.

However, Borromeo said that the MOU will not be limited to consultancy services.

“If there is a need for DBP to finance these projects, we are prepared, either to the private sector participants, or to other government agencies, that will take part in the projects approved by MinDA,” she said.

MinDA executive direc-

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EGAZPI CITY -- Days before the start of the official campaign period on February 12, President Rodrigo R. Duterte renewed his call to uniformed personnel to remain neutral, and reminded members of his Cabinet not to campaign for any candidate in May’s mid-term elections.

“I want the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the police (Philippine National Police) to stay strictly neutral. Ang mga taga gobyerno (those in the government), including the Cabinet secretaries, I have not allowed them to do campaigning for or against anybody,” Duterte said in his speech during the Peace and Order Summit for Barangay Officials here Friday.

“Because if you do it, away ang abutin mo sa akin (we will fight about it),” the President added.

Duterte also called on members of the New People’s Army to stop their extortion activities.

“You can come, courtesy of the money of the people of the Philippines. Wala akong pera. (I don’t have funds.) You can come and be billeted in simple hotels because luxury is not for us and you can come in peace. Hindi kayo huhulihin (You will not be arrested),” he added.

The peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines were halted in 2018.

The Peace and Order Sum-

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GOODBYE, ARMM. High ranking officials and employees posed beside a giant tarpaulin which bore the message: “Thank you and Goodbye, ARMM (Autonomous

FUK, P10 Region in Muslim Mindanao)” during the flag retreat at the ARMM Office of the Regional Governor in Cotabato City.Photo courtesy: Haroun Alrashid Alonto Lucman Jr.

VOL.11 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 -11, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3 PRRD warns against use of gov’t funds in polls P resident Rodrigo R. Duterte ordered government officials not to use public funds for campaigning in this year’s mid-term polls.

“Just to do away with those issues and to make it really equal for all, nobody uses government property or funds because that is not allowed by law,” he said in his speech at the Peace and Order Summit for Barangay Officials in Legazpi City, Albay on Friday.

Duterte said he has not allowed government officials to campaign for or against 2019 bets.

“Ang mga taga-gobyerno (those in government), including the Cabinet secretary, I have not allowed them to

do some campaigning for or against anybody,” he said.

The President said all government officials and employees are workers who should do their jobs right.

“We are workers of government. We are paid to do what we are doing and we must be doing it right,” he said.

Duterte said he will not be involved in the politics of the 2019 mid-term elections but will be campaigning for people he owes a debt of gratitude to.

He also called on politicians and candidates to follow the law in limiting their number of firearms and security detail.

“Any politician, whether

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Illegal firearms seized in SC raid

LONG QUEUE. Most of the Dabawenyos who will get health card use their mobile phones to entertain themselves while waiting for their turn outside a satellite office of Davao City Health Office at SM City Davao on Friday. Lean Daval Jr

Comelec begins printing of 63M ballots for May

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he Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday started the printing of the more than 63 million official ballots to be used in the May 13 National and Local Elections (NLE) at the National Printing Office (NPO) in Quezon City.

Ma. Victoria Dulcero, vice chairman of the Comelec Printing Committee, said they are looking to finish before April 25 the printing of the 63,662,481 ballots for the local polls and overseas absentee voting (OAV).

Of the number, a total of 61,843,771 ballots will be used in the local polls while 1,818,710 ballots are for the

OAV. “In the printing of official ballots, our agency partner is NPO. The NPO is providing us with three printers for this project, which will run 24/7,” the poll official said in a press briefing.

Dulcero added that aside from the official ballots, they will print a total of 1,142,063 ballots to be used in the final

Bicycle lane not yet possible now: Abude

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

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aving a lane exclusive for bicycle users in Davao City would still be impossible at the moment, as the city would have to improve first its infrastructures.

City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) head Dionisio Abude said that the bike lane ordinance needs to be studied first before implementing it.

“We can always have a bike lane for the city. The only problem we have is that our road spaces are not enough to cater to them,” Abude said.

The traffic head said the width of most streets in the city can only accomodate two to four lanes, particularly in the downtown area.

However, Abude said that it can initially be implemented in the C.P. Garcia Highway and in the currently constructed Davao City Bypass Road in Buhangin and the Coastal Highway projects in portions of Bago Aplaya, Talomo and Matina Aplaya.

He also said that with the road widening projects, being made by the government through the Build, Build, Build Program, having bicycle lanes would be possible.

“But of course, different

agencies such as the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should be coordinating in this proposal,” Abude said.

He also said that areas where the bike lanes will be put should be identified.

City Ordinance 0409-10 was lobbied by Councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta, committee on peace and order and public safety chairperson, after Interface Development Interventions (IDIS), an environmental non-government organization, sent a letter pushing for the implementation of the bike ordinance, authored by the late Councilor Leonardo Avila III on April 2010 Joan Mae Bantayan, an IDIS member and a bicycle enthusiast, admitted that the push for a bike lane ordinance would be impossible, unless many people will be shifting to use bicycles, instead of commuting or driving their own vehicles.

“Constructing new lanes is very expensive. For a start, at least these four wheel vehicles would just share lanes with our bicycle users, for a start,” Bantayan said.

testing and sealing (FTS) to test the vote counting machines (VCMs).

“The FTS ballots will be used by our Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) or Electoral Boards to test the VCMs,” she explained.

Dulcero added that they expect to print one million ballots per day.

Meanwhile, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the OAV ballots will be the first to be printed, to be followed by those for Mindanao provinces, the Visayas provinces, Luzon and the National

Capital Region (NCR).

“The first to be printed are overseas ballots, because elections overseas will start on April 13. The OAV election would be ongoing while we print the ballots for the rest of the country,” Jimenez said.

As for the printing of the local ballots, the poll body official said they usually start from the farthest areas.

“The order of printing starts from the farthest. Farflung areas first and then the last few deliveries will be NCR since it the nearest destina-

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ENERAL SANTOS CITY -Policemen recovered four illegal firearms, including two homemade grenade launchers, in a raid in a village in Sto. Niño town in South Cotabato on Friday.

Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco, director of Police Regional Office 12 (Soccsksargen), said Saturday the firearms were seized from the house of chainsaw operator Romeo Besiño, 41, in Purok Bonifacio, Barangay San Vicente in Sto. Niño.

Armed with a search warrant, he said intelligence operatives of the Sto. Niño municipal police stormed the suspect's house past 5 a.m.

The warrant, which was issued by Judge Marlo Brasales of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court in Norala town, was for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Rasco said the operating team recovered from the suspect's house two M79 homemade grenade launcher rifles, 12 rounds of 40-mm. ammunition, a homemade 12-gauge shotgun with a magazine loaded with four live bullets, and a Pietro Beretta 9mm. pistol with serial number 1069 with

one 15-rounder magazine loaded with 12 bullets.

He said the firearms were all unlicensed while the grenade launchers and shotgun lacked serial numbers.

The operation and the documentation of the seized items were witnessed by an official of Barangay San Vicente and a media worker, he said.

Rasco said the Sto. Niño municipal police had received a tip from an informant that Besiño owns several illegal firearms.

"It was later confirmed through surveillance conducted by our intelligence operatives," he said in a report.

Senior Insp. Sherwin Panaguiton, chief of the Sto. Niño municipal police, said the suspect claimed that he was keeping the firearms to protect himself.

Besiño reportedly carried the firearms during commissioned works in remote and mountainous areas, he said, adding that the suspect would be charged on Monday for violation of Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition. (PNA)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 -11, 2019

PAL, ANA to explore mutual cooperation

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RELAUNCHED. SM City Davao Foodcourt manager Vincent Rebosura talks about the improved SM foodcourt and the new food offerings during its relaunch on Friday.

Lean Daval Jr

New city investment code to offer more incentives

By RALPH LAWRENCE LLEMIT

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he Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC) is hoping that the current 18th City Council can still pass the proposed amendment of the city’s investment code before the end of the regular session on June 30.

DCIPC head Lemuel Ortonio said that the revision of the Davao City Investment Code of 2012 will encourage more investors, offering both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.

Ortonio said that the consultation with the different industry and chambers associations were made during the last quarter of 2018.

“We already completed the first draft and it is ready to be presented to the Davao City Investment Incentive Board by the end of February,” he said.

Ortonio said that comments and suggestions that will be gathered during their presentation, will be collated before submitting it to the city council.

The revision consists

lag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) are set to explore a mutual cooperation.

Celebrating their partnership, PAL officials went to ANA's headquarters in Tokyo on Friday. Both carriers pledged their commitment to work together and lift each other up.

Michael Tan, PAL Holdings' director and treasurer, represented his father, Lucio, during Friday's meeting.

In his speech, Tan emphasized that the two carriers will work together and mutually cooperate to build on each other’s legacies.

"We both share a commitment and passion that is deep and traditional, but also young and modern, and very much focused on a future of innovation and opportunities," he said.

Tan added that PAL looks forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship that will bring more progress to Japan and the Philippines.

Both sides will explore areas of mutual coopera-

tion, the details of which will be disclosed at the right time.

PAL and ANA have been providing ground handling for each other in local destinations around Tokyo and the Philippines.

"Currently, ANA provides ground handling for PAL flights operating from Haneda. Ground handling services for PAL flights out of Narita, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, and Sapporo are being served by another service-provider. ANA flights operating out of Manila are being handled on-ground by Macroasia," PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna told the Philippine News Agency.

This was the first time both parties met after signing an agreement last January 29.

Under this agreement, ANA acquired 9.5 percent of PAL Holdings, Inc. and will put in an investment of USD95 million.

ANA, Japan's largest airline, reportedly acquired the shares from Trustmark Holdings Corporation owned by Lucio Tan. (PNA)

of the 10 preferred investment areas of the city, namely agribusiness; tourism and recreational facilities; light manufacturing; infrastructure and connectivity; information and communications technology; property development; health and wellness, education, and sports facilities; generation of new sources of energy; and green projects.

The investment chief said that one of the proposals to focus on is on the agribusinesses and farmers who are having difficulties in processing raw materials due to lack of advanced facilities for productions.

Incentives for tourism and recreational facilities will also be made to attract more investors.

Go calls for intensified fire prevention campaigns Army intensifies operation vs NPA in NoCot

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larmed by the latest fire incidents, such the ones that took place in Cainta and San Mateo, Rizal and most recently in Pasay City, senatorial aspirant and former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go on Friday stressed the need to intensify fire prevention campaigns to avoid loss of lives and properties.

Go said he was saddened by the death of a child in a fire incident in Cainta, and of nine members of a family in a fire in Maricaban, Pasay City on Thursday.

"Nalulungkot ako pag merong namamatay tuwing may nasusunugan (I get sad when someone dies in a fire)," he said in an interview with reporters after visiting the victims of the

Pasay fire.

Go extended cash assistance to the bereaved family of a soldier who perished in the fire. He also vowed to help them rebuild their house and give them a small business to start their life anew with the help of some supporters.

He said improving fire safety measures across the country will be a priority in his legislative agenda once he is elected to the Senate.

Go said the tragic loss of lives in the recent fire incidents are sad reminders of the importance of better fire protection and prevention measures.

"Kailangan talaga na ayusin din ang paggawa ng building. Dapat safe pati ang electricity para maiwasan ang sunog (There is a need for buildings to follow fire safety standards.

Electrical wirings should also be checked to prevent fire)," he said, adding that strict compliance with building permits should observed.

He noted that according to initial information gathered by investigators, the fire in Pasay may have been caused by faulty electrical wiring.

Go said he will coordinate with the Bureau of Fire Protection on how they can improve their service and ensure that all structures are compliant with existing building safety codes.

In the 2018 performance audit on the BFP, the Commission on Audit (COA) found out that 308 towns are still without fire stations and 59 without fire trucks.

State auditors said 44

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IDAPAWAN CITY -Military forces in North Cotabato have stepped up operations against a band of communist guerrillas following a clash on Friday that left two soldiers slightly injured.

Lt. Col. Rhojun Rosales, commander of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion, said the prompt response by government troops to a civilian tip-off about the presence of New Peoples’ Army (NPA) in Barangay New Baguio, Makilala town, prevented rebel attacks on government installations and on a banana plantation in the area.

“They have been

massing there, planning to attack Army detachments and burn banana plantation equipment,” Rosales said on Saturday.

When the soldiers arrived in Sitio Badok, the rebels opened fire, triggering a gun battle that lasted from 10 a.m. up to about 12 noon.

He said Army personnel, despite being outnumbered by about 30 NPA guerrillas, forced the rebels to retreat deep into the mountains in the boundaries of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur. Air strikes from the Philippine Air Force sent the rebels scampering to various direc-

tions, the military official said.

To prevent the communist rebels under NPA Guerilla Front 72, who were headed by Commander Burjak, from coming back, military detachments have been established in the village to protect the civilians and the workers of the banana plantation in the area.

During clearing operations on Friday afternoon, government forces recovered two anti-personnel mines, eight blasting caps, 50 meters detonating wires and other communist stuff in an area where the rebels hid for several days. (PNA)

VOL.11 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 -11, 2019

ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

Palace welcomes passage of‘essential’2019 budget

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ipino people in mind," he said.

Panelo, who is also Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, assured the public of a 2019 budget that is legal and beneficial to Filipinos.

"We assure the nation that the Executive Branch, upon its receipt of the enrolled General Appropriations Bill, will thoroughly review the same to ensure that all items comply with the Constitution and the law, and more importantly, they redound to the benefit of the Filipino people," he said.

The House of Representatives on Friday ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed PHP3.757 trillion national budget for 2019.

The ratification of this year’s budget was done at the last minute, with Congress extending sessions for two days before it goes on break from February 9 to May 19 for the mid-term elections.

The passage of the 2019 budget was delayed when the Senate failed to approve the national expenditure program before 2018 ended, leading to the automatic reenactment of the 2018 budget.

The Senate only approved this year’s budget on January 21, with the bicameral conference committee immediately starting its work on the same day to reconcile the disagreeing provisions in the Senate and House versions of the spending bill.

The bicameral conference committee approved the 2019 spending bill on Friday afternoon. (PNA)

all that," he added.

Back in 2018, Douglas announced that the Philippines is to receive a large chunk of security assistance from the US, a recognition of the "longterm partnership" Washington has with Manila on the security front.

In July 2018, the US Embassy in Manila also announced a contribution amounting to about USD26.5 million to boost Philippine law enforcement agencies' counterterrorism efforts over the next two years.

Citing the robust cooperation between the two nations, Douglas said he sees a "very bright" future for US-Philippines ties.

"The future will be very bright that way but we do have to make sure we understand what each other wants and what each other's looking for as we do go forward," he

said.

The recently concluded US-Philippine Think Tank Conference tackled various issues of mutual interest to Manila and Washington, such as responding to regional challenges in Asia and the future of its 67-year-old military alliance.

The two countries' security alliance is rooted in the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, the Philippines’ sole and longest defense pact with another state.

The Philippine government first floated the proposal to review the agreement and make it relevant to the region’s changing security environment in December 2018.

In the conference, Ambassador Sung Kim said "if there are any adjustments that would be useful, certainly we would welcome an opportunity to make adjustments." (PNA)

alacañang welcomed the passage of the 2019 budget and called it essential for the Filipinos’ better future.

"This year’s budget is essential in building a bright future for our nation and for our people.

It lays the foundation for an inclusive growth and sustainable development," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement late Friday.

Panelo said the 2019 budget will push the President's promise of change in areas of infrastructure development, human development and poverty reduction, social services, and peace and order.

He welcomed the Senate and House of Representatives' reconciliation of their versions.

"Indeed there is no obstacle we cannot hurdle if we put our hearts to it, with only the interest of the Fil-

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PH role in US Indo-Pacific strategy cited

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ranking US State Department official reaffirmed the Philippines' role, as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in advancing Washington's bid for an open and free Indo-Pacific region.

"ASEAN centrality is absolutely essential in what we do and the Philippines is a key player in ASEAN," US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Walter Douglas said in an interview on the sidelines of the US-Philippines Think Tank Conference in Makati on Friday.

"Coming here is a great opportunity. I get to speak about the Indo-Pacific.

People spoke about it. I think that's just one more way we could advance the Indo-Pacific vision to encompass all of ASEAN, but the Philippines has obviously been a key player in

Release of pensions for elderly now twice a year

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LOILO CITY -- Starting this year, the release of pension for the elderly will be held twice a year from the previous quarterly distribution, the director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 6 (Western Visayas).

“We will have it twice a year and our target month for the first release is in April. Then the second will be in September,” Evelyn B.

USED SHOES. A Badjao teenager spends his Saturday morning washing used rubber shoes which he will later peddle around downtown area of Davao City. Lean Daval Jr

Macapobre said Friday.

The change in the system is due to lack of ample time for the field office to complete the cleansing of their database before paying the pensioners, Macapobre said.

“This is very important to ensure that the money goes to the deserving because we have many beneficiaries. Some are complaining like why this someone is a beneficiary

when there is someone less fortunate than him,” she explained.

The first three months of the year is intended for the updating of the beneficiary list and cleaning of the data list.

There is also a directive from President Rodrigo R. Duterte that the DSWD field offices should no longer transfer the funds for the pensioners to local gov-

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noted that they are sending letters to national aspirants and political groups, urging them to put down the campaign materials.

“We don't expect them to reply to us written but we do expect to see compliance by February 12,” Jimenez said.

A total of 62 candidates are running for senatorial posts while 134 groups are vying for party-list seats in the House of Representatives.

The Comelec official reiterated that posters and tarpaulins with a maximum size of 2 feet by 3 feet or 3 feet by 2 feet, depending on their chosen orientation, should only be posted or placed in campaign areas.

Jimenez warned that the candidate or the political group will be held accountable for their errone-

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Remove campaign materials or face sanctions: Comelec he Commission on Elections (Comelec) reiterated its call for candidates and their supporters to take down campaign materials, which will be considered as illegal after February 12.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said they are set to resurrect “Operation Baklas”, which is aimed at dismantling illegal posters and tarpaulins as the campaign period starts next week.

“We will be talking to the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) and MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) in the coming days regarding Operation Baklas,” he said in a media briefing at the start of the printing of the official ballots for the May 13 mid-term polls on Saturday.

The poll body official

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 -11, 2019

EDITORIAL Playing it fair

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he May 2019 Midterm Elections will serve as the first test of the Duterte administration to run a national electoral exercise. Where past administrations have used its resources and influence to carry their anointed candidates through to victory, this administration has declared it will play it fair among all parties.

President Rodrigo Duterte has reminded all incumbent officials and government agencies not to use their resources and influence to promote their candidates or their own candidacies.

To begin with, he wants a strict implementation of the Alunan Doctrine which calls for a limit of two armed security detail per candidate.

In the past, government logistics and manpower have been mobilized to advance the political aspirations of reelectionist incumbent officials and partymates. They come in all shapes, form and sizes. From rice to food packs and medicines, government funds have been used, in the guise of

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legitimate government programs, as election giveaways. This is not to mention the mobilization of government manpower to saturate propaganda and penetrate far-flung communities.

This advantage was used to the hilt by sitting government officials seeking another term or advancing a chosen successor and their allies.

With President Duterte himself issuing such order, it now falls upon the local officials, government agency heads and employees to use government resources, as they have been used to, in this elections.

To achieve this end, the Duterte allies themselves must show example that they, too, are not exempt from the order and must conduct themselves according to RA 9006 or the Fair Elections Act. The President’s order will be rendered inutile if people under his wings ignore the order.

Whether or not they do remains to be seen. In this jurisdiction, anything is possible in elections.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE Richard C. Ebona | Product Development officer LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts.Address: 04 Orilla St. Purok 4B Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Specialist Cellphone number: 09472652969 General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Email Address: edgedavao@gmail.com Mobile: (Smart) 09382022120 Tel: (088) 852-4894

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 -11, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

Agriculture to bounce back!

T

he agriculture sector last year was not in good shape due to some problems but the future looks good this year, according to the Department of Agriculture.

“Agriculture will bounce back,” Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol told EDGE Davao. “The fundamentals are in place.”

He admitted that 2018 was not good as the country was hit by 12 typhoons, including one super typhoon. Ompong (international name: Mangkhut) made landfall on Northern Luzon and it greatly affected the vegetable production of farmers in Baguio and other crops in the region.

“We are expecting that 2019 will be a better year, following the bust and boom cycle of

agriculture,” Piñol said.

The last quarter report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) give a clearer picture of the status of agriculture sector in the country. From January to December last year, agricultural production increased by a dismal 0.56%.

But there was a 1.8% growth reported in the fourth quarter. “Crops, livestock, poultry and fisheries contributed to the higher production during the quarter,” PSA noted. “At current prices, the gross value of agricultural production amounted to P521.2 billion, higher by 4.05% than the previous year’s level.”

Crops production slightly increased by 0.25%.

Crops accounted for 50.40% of the total agricultural

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

output.

Increases in production were registered by coconut, banana, pineapple, coffee, mango, tobacco, abaca, rubber and vegetables (mung bean, tomato, onion and cabbage).

Palay production, however, declined by 2.20% but corn production grew by 10.82%, according to PSA. Livestock registered

a 1.64% increase in production and contributed 17.74% to the total agricultural production in 2018. During the fourth quarter, carabao, swine and dairy came up with output gains.

“At current prices, the value of livestock production reached P91.9 billion, up by 7.42% from the previous year’s level,” PSA said, adding that livestock production went up by 1.89% last year.

During the last quarter, poultry production expanded by 6.99%. However, from January to December, the production increased by 5.75%.

Poultry production accounted for 1.18% to the total agricultural production, the PSA said.

“The value of poultry production amounted to

P60.7 billion at current prices,” PSA said, noting that it was 1.74% higher than the previous year’s record.

Likewise, fisheries production – which shared 15.68% in the total agricultural output, went up by 1.93%. Except for roundscad and yellowfin tuna, all the major fish species recorded increases in output. “At current prices, the value of fisheries production reached P73.3 billion,” PSA said.

But on annual basis, fisheries output declined by 1.13% in 2018.

Overall, on the average, prices received

by Filipino farmers increased by 2.22%. “Prices increments were noted for crops at 1.94%, livestock at 5.69%, and fisheries at 7.80% while poultry recorded an average drop of 4.91%.”

Alfred Lord Tennyson quipped: “To strive, to seek and not to yield.”

What about this one from Chinese philosopher Laozi: “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”

We seek in life what we want to become. We can choose what role to play, can we not?

If we can correctly direct our energies, our awareness of how to utilize power and consciousness, then can we not drive away and repel discontent and dissatisfaction that are now besieging our vulnerability and dreadfulness?

Therefore, it is imperative for us to get rid of our half-mindedness and naïve comprehension of our daily existence. People who are in this state of being are liable to suffer the misery and fate of those choosing not to fully and actively participate in the game of life.

A half-interested and half-engaged human being will not know when

golden opportunities and key moments are passing by. He will be oblivious because he has nothing to care for.

Indispensability comes with enlightenment.

With enlightenment comes the recognition that tragedy is not about death and dying but more about the quality of life one has lived before crossing the Great Beyond.

Writers are not hailed simply because they write great stuff.

Anton Chekov describes a writer as: “A writer is not a confectioner, a cosmetic dealer or an entertainer. He is a man who has signed a contract with his conscience and his sense of duty.”

Am I indispensable?

Are you indispensable?

(Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.)

2 Cor. 10:18: “For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

Be indispensable

B

eing “indispensable” is the antonym of being “expendable.”

Hardly noticed by perhaps majority of our countrymen is the fact that people have become ordinary and dispensable under the present time.

“Ordinary” is the adjective to describe the appreciation of people of the conditions prevailing today even as they themselves see that they have become the victims of their own choices and appreciation of life.

This could be a sweeping statement but nonetheless reflective of what I call the nonchalant acceptance of what there is that prevails today, unmindful of the degenerative effects of such a mindset.

The majority of human kind is, in fact, lost as to whether they are coming or going. The world is in a tailspin. But let us compartmentalize this issue as to concern only the Filipinos and their awareness of things – and the stimuli – around them is more proper and

fitting to discuss and debate.

From the hollow and glazed eyes of the poor and the homeless who I get to see and come across every day, I can feel that these souls are trapped in the dark wilderness of ignorance, thoughtlessness and depravity.

Life is not only about inhaling and exhaling, getting a breath of fresh air and taking a day off every week.

People have heart and souls, capable of feeling the joys and the hurt, possess creative abilities and capable of translating negative things into positive.

We are not zombies who walked aimlessly about nor are we dumb animals caged in the zoo.

We have dreams we want to pursue and achieve. Only human beings are gifted with such.

Therefore, we must be able to consciously live in the full power of our being and bring the full might of our conscious mind against the onslaught of fear, doubt

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba and misunderstanding.

Life is sometimes viewed only in the material plane.

This is a narrow-minded concept because the real riches that beckon to us – joy, love, harmony, peace, kindness and compassion – are not tangible possessions.

Yes, they cannot be seen by the naked eye.

They can only be felt.

To be indispensable, a person must possess and develop these human traits.

Here are two quotes which you may find interesting about life.

English poet John Keats said: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”

8

EDGEDAVAO

COMPETITIVE EDGE

VOL.11 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 -11, 2019

828 DavOr trainees graduate from TESDA skills training

S

ome 828 graduates from the province of Davao Oriental received their National Certificates for completing various courses under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The graduates were beneficiaries of TESDA’s Training for Work

Scholarship Program (TWSP). They were trained on various qualifications such as Bookkeeping NC III, Driving NCII, Hilot Wellness Massage NCII, Housekeeping NC II, Carpentry NC II, Masonry NC II, Bartending NC II, Food and Beverages Services NC II, HEO Hydraulic Excavator NC II, Events

Management Services NC III, Dressmaking NC II, Plumbing NC II, Organic Agriculture Production NC II, Massage Therapy NC II, Cookery NC II and Trainers Methodology Level 1.

Of the said number, 603 graduates come from the City of Mati, 150 are from Governor Generoso, 25 from

Lupon, 25 from Banaybanay and 25 from San Isidro.

During the separate closing ceremonies held on February 2 and 3, 2019 at Gov. Generoso and Mati City respectively, TESDA XI Regional Director, Engr. Lorenzo G. Macapili, DTE emphasized the relevance of TESDA programs in

making one’s life better.

He also encouraged the graduates to apply and continuously enhance their acquired skills by availing various scholarship programs.

The TWSP was conducted through the Special Commitment of the 2nd Congressional Office headed by Congressman Joel Z. Almar-

io, who was also present during the closing ceremonies.

Along with Director Macapili during the event were Gregorio B. Barsanalina, Jr., Officer-in-Charge of TESDA Davao Oriental Provincial Office, and the representatives of the training providers. (TESDA Davao Oriental PO)

ilang, Cavite- - the Philippine National Police Academy holds its recognition rites for PNPA Class 2022 today, February 9, 2019.

Recognition rites is the most memorable event in a life of a cadet.

This is the time which the upper-class corps or the cadets from second year to fourth year will offer their handshakes to the plebes or the fourth-class men.

The handshake symbolizes the recognition

of the most junior of the corps which also signifies that some of their curtailed privileges will be lifted one by one. This occasion in one hand, tells the plebes that they, being recognized cadets hold a bigger responsibility.

The processing for Class 2022 began with 13,000 applicants of which only 1,200 passed the PNPA Cadet Admission Test all over the sixteen regions of the country. After series of processes, only

230 successful applicants were admitted to the Academy to undergo the 45-day breaking period and as of this day, only 215 remained steadfast and continued their journey and was further joined by eight (8) readmitted cadets from Class 2020 (1 cadet) and Class 2021 (7 cadets) totaling a number of 223 cadets to be recognized by the upperclassmen.

The class of 2022 named itself Alab-Kalis which is an acronym for Alagad 0B Batas na Kakalinga sa Silangang Bayan. And also, means burning which represents the class passion in serving the public and Kalis means sword which resembles their determination to enforce the rule of law.

PNPA is the lone service in the country that projects young leaders who would serve as officers in the Philippine

National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Hence the Academy provides the best public safety service education and character

building programs for its cadets to become worthy of the trust of Filipinos.

PNPA holds recognition rites of Class 2022 S

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VOL.11 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 -11, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Pecking duck carving station.

Say hooray for pecking duck.

Fresh new beginnings at the WATERFRONT

Bring in the goodluck and prosperity.

GONG XI FA CAI!

Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao remains to be the perfect place to welcome new beginnings. And with the auspicious arrival of the Year of the Earth Pig, the hotel, once again, made sure that everyone welcome the lunar year with a smile.

Last 5 February, Waterfront’s Café Uno featured an amazing culinary feast that highlighted the hotel’s many delectable dishes and their new chef’s vast repertoire of culinary skills. Meet Chef Nino.

Chef Anthony Joseph Ante III or Chef Nino has taken over the reins of the hotel’s kitchen and dining space. Chef Nino has more than a decade

of delicious work experience under his belt. Mostly overseas, Chef Nino’s last stint was at the Hilton Trade and Convention Center in Saint John, Canada. With him on board, one can expect a fresh, new perspective to the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao this 2019.

Decked in reds and

Something familiar -- buchi for the hungry you.

golds, Café Uno showcased a plethora of Chinese and Asian flavours on display.

With a sumptuous six-station, 12-course buffet curated for a festive dining experience, the restaurant was a picture perfect venue for welcoming the New Year.

For starters, Café Uno

Pork Asado.

prepared a lavish spread of crispy fried spring rolls, fried and steamed siomai, shark fin pizza and an abundant selection of greens and veggies for a more personalised plate of salad. Also available were an assortment of colourful sushi and fresh sashimi for everyone to enjoy.

Celebrating the Year of the Earth Pig. Main course was exceptionally beautiful. Café Uno’s Lunar Year Buffet included a selection of meats that had everyone excited. A special carving station featuring their special Lechon Macau, Peking Duck and Pork Charsiu.

Signature specialties like their Salt and Pepper Squid, Stir Fry Beef and Bok Choy in Oyster Sauce and Kung Pao Chicken were also available.

Café Uno also had a special noodle station wherein guests can choose their preferred toppings and fillings. The restaurant also had a variety of dim sum choices – shark fin, pork and crab siomai.

Capping the lunch buffet extravaganza was their dessert corner that featured delicacies such as Tang Yuan, assorted Hopia and Mooncakes and cakes of flavour and colour.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

FOOD

Eat lucky at SM

THE DAWN of the Chinese New Year may be over but that doesn’t mean the feasts and fun that bring in good fortune have to stop.

We love to eat and have many reasons for it—attracting luck is one, as influenced by Chinese-Filipino culture.

In this article, Chef Rolando Llido III names auspicious food items that are good for our tummy and for bringing in good feelings and luck. Chef Rolando is the vice chairman of 2018’s Davao Culinary Cup, the biggest culinary competition in Mindanao which happens in SM Lanang Premier annually.

Foodies, take note. SM Lanang Premier is home to lucky food and bites.

Steamed Fish Fish is believed to increase prosperity, Chef Rolando says.

Steamed catfish, pompano or grouper is usually served whole—and never flipped over during eating. Get your fix at

bites like the tikoy turon!

Noodles Noodles are believed to bring happiness and longevity.

Noodles can be served in variety of styles—whether in soup or stir fried. Enjoy the long strands with your loved ones in Mandarin or in Modern Hong Kong in the Third Level.

Tien Ma’s in the Northwing also serves fantastic stir fried seafood noodles.

Marina Tuna, Second Level Sky Garden.

Dumplings “Dumplings are believed to bring more wealth for the incoming year, but they have to be served in a specific manner,” Chef Rolando says. Dumplings should be arranged in straight lines instead of circles. Ac-

cording to traditional Chinese belief, circles of dumplings are supposed to mean one’s life will go round in circles, never going anywhere. Head over to Harbour City in the Upper Ground Level or Hap Chan in the Second Level for delicious dumplings. Want more? Panda Shabu Shabu in the Food Hall, Second Level serves a wide

range of dumplings.

Sticky Rice Cake Tikoy, of sticky rice cake, is believed to bring higher income/position for the incoming year. “It is also believed to make families closer together,” Chef Rolando says. Shop in SM Supermarket for a range of tikoy varieties, including snack

Oranges Round Citrus Fruits symbolize fullness and wealth. “They are believed to bring good luck and fortune because they are homophones with Chinese words for success. The more you eat, the more wealth comes your way. Also, fruits are packed with vitamins and are good for your health,” Chef Rolando says. Shop in SM Supermarket for round fruits.

Share your foodie finds and follow SM Lanang Premier @ smlanangpremier in social media. PR

UP AND ABOUT

Trust and authenticity to the millennial shopper YOUR FRIEND’S BIRTHDAY’S coming up -- you go to your favorite online shop to search for the perfect gift. One click and then you are presented with a gazillion choices from merchants you’ve never even heard of. Instead of basking in the convenience of online shopping, you leave the site more stressed than before. Familiar?

Online shopping has truly revolutionized the way we buy. Right now, we can practically buy anything online. Despite such, the immense convenience online shopping offers isn’t without its set of challenges.

Obviously, we cannot physically examine products -- descriptions, pictures, and reviews have become our go-to resources before we add something to our cart or not.

It’s a bit like looking for a relationship. The first thing you notice when you meet someone is the

looks (packaging, description). When you start dating (after purchase), you begin to find out if he or she is as you perceive them to be (verification of features). The information you’ll gather then becomes the basis whether to stay in the relationship or look for another one (next purchase).

To help buyers, online platforms has implemented all sorts of website features and function to provide as much information as possible. Not sure how a certain dress will fit? The product listing probably includes a picture of a woman wearing the dress, complete with the model’s measurements. Some shops even show videos to help us visualize how we can use the product after purchase.

Aside from the products, we also face the if-theproduct-actually-exist dilemma. We’ve all been there: we search for a product and end up presented with unlimited choices of the same item with dif-

ferent ratings, different prices, and different brands from different shops. The biggest challenge? Finding out which ones are legit, have fair prices, and will actually get delivered to you.

This is why platforms such as Argomall.com are quite refreshing. Founded in 2015 by Filipinoowned conglomerate Transnational Diversified Group, Argomall operates with a simple premise: Let’s make consumers trust us by selling only authentic products with fair prices and simplifying the buying process. It also uses human customer service representatives instead of bots or automated responses to better serve its customers.

Building relationships with customers is a peculiar strategy in a digital world -- usually dictated by consumerism and advertisements, that is. It makes sense though because we decide whether to buy in a manner similar when we choose our personal

relationships. After the initial purch to a platform and observe -- is it sell items? Is it transparent with its prici tions? If it strives to build trust amo While it’s okay that a platform is its product descriptions, we often ha budget to work with. The unlimited sented only cause further confusion confused buyer. Sites like Argomall single price for each item, which alr shipping fee.

In the end, we as consumers have

EDAVAO

hase, we go back ling authentic ing and promoong its patrons? truthful about ave a limited d options pren to the already l only post a ready includes

e the respon-

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ENTERTAINMENT

GMA leads Phl contingent in 2019 New York Festivals anew

GMA Network once again gives the Philippines the most number of finalists at the 2019 New York Festivals “World’s Best TV and Films” Competition, earning five out of the country’s eight shortlisted entries.

Top-rating and award-winning magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), hosted by News pillar Jessica Soho, was nominated for its “Salay” feature in the Community Portraits category.

The segment showed how students and teachers from Caraga, Davao Oriental risk their lives as they cross the river using an improvised cable car made from rattan called ‘salay’ just to go to school and buy basic needs.

Meanwhile, the country’s longest-running documentary program, I-Witness, earned two nominations this year: one for Sandra Aguinaldo’s “War Zone ER” documentary, and another for Kara David’s “Bilanggo ng Isipan”.

Short-listed in the Current Af-

fairs category, “War Zone ER”, told the stories of those tasked to save the lives of the wounded during the Marawi siege—not in a hospital but inside a makeshift emergency room in Marawi’s battle zone.

“Bilanggo ng Isipan”, on the other hand, received a nomination in the Health/Medical Information category. The documentary presented the current state of mental health in the Philippines with three case studies, who for a number of years have been bound by chains by their own families because of their mental condition.

Giving the country another slot

in the NYF “World’s Best TV and Films” Competition is The Atom Araullo Specials episode “No Leftovers”, which was nominated in the Social Issues category. In this documentary, Atom Araullo showed that food wastage remains a big problem in the Philippines, tracing how food is wasted from production to consumption.

Completing the list of Kapuso finalists this year is GMA News TV’s Reel Time with its “Batang Maestro” documentary getting short-listed in the Heroes category.

It featured the story of 12-year-old Dagul and his fellow volunteer ‘little teachers’ in the province of Sorsogon. They cross the long river of Donsol on board a bamboo raft and walk their way to a village on a mountain just to reach children who often miss their classes because they live so far from school.

GMA Network remains the most awarded Philippine organization at the New York Festivals “World’s Best TV and Films” Competition.

Premium Fox channels now on Skycable Select ENGROSSING SHOWS from premium channels FOX Action Movies, FOX Crime, FOX News, and Nat Geo People can now be a part of SKYcable subscribers’ viewing staples via SKY Select, the cable brand’s a la carte channel service.

Plenty of TV gems are waiting to be discovered in FOX Action movies (P20/month). Subscribers can check out heartpounding blockbusters like the American superhero western film “Jonah Hex (Feb 17, 10 PM),” Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp’s romantic thriller “The Tourist (Feb 9, 6:15 PM),” and the American action thriller, “Bushwick (Feb 10, 10 PM).”

Edge-of-your-seat investigative series high-

sibility of choosing which sites can best serve our needs. We shouldn’t just go to an online shop just because it’s popular. What if they don’t have a clear policy when it comes to returns or refunds? What if they don’t care much about your privacy and data?

Does putting emphasis on trust, transparency and authenticity really the way to go in the digital age? Time will tell. But knowing what really is important to customers is a huge step towards gaining their confidence and building meaningful and reliable relationships. And sometimes, that is all you need. PR

light FOX Crime (P20/ month) including the Emmy-winning “VICE (Sundays, 9:30 PM),” a docu-TV series that touches on political assassinations, young weapon manufacturers, climate change, and more and crowd favorite “CSI: Miami (Mon-Tue, 11:15 PM),” a globally recognized series that highlights the drama in the world of the American police force and forensic science.

Nat Geo People (P20/ month) has lifestyle shows that feature the best food and travel stories. One of the series that airs on the network is “Cesar’s Recruit: Asia (Fridays, 7:30 PM)” where the famous Emmywinning dog behaviorist

For 3 days only, you can get up to 40% off on Ray-Ban sunglasses! Rush to the nearest The SM Store near you from February 15 to 17 (Friday - Sunday only) to get your hands on this deal exclusive to The SM Store customers.

scours the continent to look for the next best dog trainer. Other must-see shows are “Andy and Ben Eat the World (Sundays, 7:30 PM)” and “Miguel’s Feasts (Fridays, 5:40 PM).”

The latest global news are delivered fresh on FOX News (P20/month) with top programs like “America’s Newsroom (Fridays, 12 AM),” “Fox

News at Night (Tue-Sat, 12 PM), and “Fox Report with Jon Scott (Sun, 6PM and Mon, 7 PM).”

The four premium FOX channels are available to SKYcable subscriber as an add-on via SKYcable Select for as low as P20/month. To subscribe, visit mysky.com. ph/addchannels or call 418-00000 or your local SKY office.

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VOL.11 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 -11, 2019

RELEASE... FROM 5 ernment units.

“Directly, DSWD will have to pay (the pensioners) according to the President”, she added.

Currently, DSWD-6 has only 100 plus regular employees and Macapobre said they will have a difficult time distributing the payment if it will be held quarterly.

In relation to the data cleansing, the field office is waiting for the authority to hire from the national office.

“We have limited staff.

We are hiring validators (for the data). We are only waiting for the authority to hire but the hiring would be a short time because our target is to finish (data cleansing) before the end of March,” Macapobre said.

In 2018, a total a of PHP2,022,093,000 was given to 365,971 pensioners in the region.

A total of 365,908 pensioners are on this year’s target list to include

45,826 from Aklan, 40,440 from Antique, 54,953 from Capiz, 14,643 from Guimaras, 160,634 from Iloilo, and 49,412 from Negros Occidental.

This year, PHP2,195,448,000 will be distributed to qualified pensioners.

The Social Pension Program for indigent senior citizens aims to improve their condition by giving them subsidies they can use for their daily and medical needs. It also aims to reduce hunger and protect the elderly from neglect, abuse, deprivation, and natural and man-made disasters.

To avail of the pension program, the elderly must be at least 60 years old, a Filipino citizen, frail, sickly or with a disability, has no regular income or support from his family or relatives, and does not have any pension from any private or government institution. (PNA)

fire stations are still being constructed but the rest have yet to begin construction. They also said that only 621 out of the BFP’s target of 1,057 fire trucks had been procured. The COA has pointed to funding as the primary reason for BFP’s failure to reach its targets.

Apart from improved fire protection and fire prevention, Go’s legislative agenda also includes programs to improve the delivery of health services, including the establishment of Malasakit Centers across the country.

The one-stop shop makes it easier and fast-

er for indigent patients to avail of medical and financial assistance from the government by bringing together in one room all concerned agencies, such as the departments of health and social work, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and PhilHealth.

Go’s legislative priorities will also include programs for agriculture, education, housing, longterm sports development, anti-illegal drugs and criminality, localized peace talks, anti-corruption, creation of a Department of OFW, barangay welfare, and improved benefits for senior citizens. (PR)

GO... FROM 4

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND (HDMF) Mortgagee EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,110-19 - versus -

EMELIE U. LUGAR married to ALLADIN T. LUGAR, Mortgagor/s.

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-Ibig Fund against the mortgagor/s EMELIE U. LUGAR married to ALLADIN T. LUGAR, both of legal age, Filipino citizens, with residence and postal address at LOT 24, BLOCK 08, PHASE 6, DECA HOMES RESORT RESIDENCES SUBDIVISION, BARANGAY TUGBOK, MINTAL, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness, which as of NOVEMBER 20, 2018 in the total amount of ONE MILLION EIGHTY THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FOUR PESOS & 85/100 (P1,080,204.85), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction February 28, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below with the improvements found thereon, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2016013075 “A parcel of land (Lot 3, Block 1 of the subdivision plan Pcs-11005085, being a portion of consolidation-subdivision Lot 1061, CAD-174; Lot 1 PSD-31479, Lot 35, Pcs-3076 AMD, Lot 46, PCS3076 AMD, and Lot 51, Pcs3076 AMD.) situated in the Barangay of Tacunan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED (100) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. XXX” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on March 28, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, January 28, 2019.

FOR: Atty. Francisco M. Campaner OIC-Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (sgd.) ALBERT C. ABEJARON Sheriff IV

NEWS 9

EDGEDAVAO

NoCot mayor tells people to accept plebiscite results P

IKIT, North Cotabato -- Mayor Sumulong Sultan of Pikit has called on his constituents to accept the result of the recently-concluded Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite and move forward.

Sultan made the appeal after 22 of 23 villages in Pikit seeking inclusion to the proposed Bangsamoro political entity decided to join the expanded autonomous region following the February 6 BOL plebiscite.

Based on the plebiscite results, 63 of 67 villages in North Cotabato will become part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“Whatever the outcome of the official canvassing from the Commission on Elections in Manila, let us accept it and let us move forward,” Sultan told reporters in an interview here Friday.

“We respect the decision of the electorate,” the mayor added, referring to the plebiscite that left his town with only 20 villages in its jurisdiction.

Pikit was earlier listed as an “area of immediate concern” by the police and the poll body due to the presence of armed men and a history of violence during political exercises.

One village of Pikit, Barangay Balatican, voted “no” to the inclusion

to the proposed BARRM. The village is a known community of the Moro National Liberation Front under Nur Misuari, who prefers a federal set-up over BOL. In North Cotabato’s 67 villages in seven towns -- Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigcawayan, Pikit, and Tulunan -- that participated in the plebiscite, four chose to remain with their mother municipality based on unofficial tally.

These are Barangay Galidan of Tulunan, Barangay Balatican of Pikit and the two areas of Aleosan town --barangays Lower Minggading and Pagangan. Official results of the North Cotabato balloting will be made known by the Comelec office in Manila next week.

North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza and Board Member Rolly Sacdalan issued separate statements congratulating the stakeholders of the peaceful and orderly plebiscite last February 6.

Mendoza said the inclusion of 63 villages to become part of the BARMM forms part of the government peace process with the Bangsamoro people, and that the local government unit had supported it all throughout.

Sacdalan, for his part, said he was elated that the democratic process went well for 13 villages of Midsayap that are now

part of BARMM. The Midsayap villages joining BARMM are Damatulan, Kadigasan, Kadingilan, Kapinpilan,

Kudarangan, Central Labas, Malingao, Mudseng, Nabalawag, Olandang, Sambulawan, Tugal, and Tumbras. (PNA)

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City OSIAS GO Mortgagee EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,099-19 - versus THE HEIRS OF ANDRES M. SORIA represented by ESTRELLITA Y. SORIA,

Mortgagor/s.

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE & SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee Osias Go against the mortgagor/s HEIRS OF ANDRES M. SORIA, represented by ESTRELLITA Y. SORIA, are all Filipino, of legal age, with residence and postal address at 107 ST. MARY STREET, SASA, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of JANUARY 16, 2019 the total obligation to pay is ONE MILLION SIX HUNDRED EIGHTY THOUSAND PESOS (P1,680,000.00), Philippine Currency, plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction February 28, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below with the improvements found thereon, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-131559 “A parcel of land (Lot 3, Block 1, Sheet 1, of the subdivision plan, (LRC) xxx being a portion of Lot 562-D, Psd-11317-Amd, LRC Cad. Rec. No. 317) situated in Davao City, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of TWO HUNDRED (200) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. XXX” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on March 28, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, January 28, 2019.

FOR: Atty. Francisco M. Campaner OIC-Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (sgd.) ALBERT C. ABEJARON Sheriff IV

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND (HDMF) Mortgagee EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,102-19

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND (HDMF) Mortgagee EJF-REM CASE NO. 17112-19

- versus -

- versus -

CHARINA T. AGUIRRE,

CHRISTIE ANN P. PAÑOSO, Mortgagor/s.

FOR: EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER ACT 3135 as Amended

Mortgagor/s.

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by above-mentioned against CHARINA T. AGUIRRE, with postal address at Lot 12, Block 39, Phase 9B, Deca Homes Resort Residences Subdivision, Brgy. Tacunan, Mintal, Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness, in the total amount of ONE MILLION TWENTY ONE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY TWO PESOS & 69/100 (P1,021,182.69), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges as of November 20, 2018 plus attorney’s fees and other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction February 28, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned Feb. 4, 11 &and 18, 2019 and described below with the improvements found thereon, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2017012692 “A PARCEL OF LAND (LOT 12, BLOCK 39 OF THE SUBDIVISION PLAN PCS-11-005084, xxx xxx), SITUATED IN THE BARANGAY OF TACUNAN, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO. xxx CONTAINING AN AREA OF ONE HUNDRED (100) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS.” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the abovestated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on March 28, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property/ies and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, January 28, 2019.

FOR: Atty. Francisco M. Campaner The OIC /Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (sgd.) RONNA M. NEMEÑO Sheriff IV

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee – Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) against CHRISTIE ANN P. PAÑOSO, with postal address at Lot 22, Blk. 21, Santiago Villas, Catalunan Grande, Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of September 28, 2018 amounted to EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY TWO THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED EIGHTY THREE PESOS & 99/100 (P832,683.99), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges plus Attorney’s fees equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the total indebtedness, plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on February 28, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below with the improvements found thereon, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2013004704 A parcel of land xxx (Lot 22, Blk. 21, xxx, Psd-11-106025, xxx ) situated in Brgy. Catalunan Grande, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, xxxxxx, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) SQUARE METERS, more or less.

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on March 28, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property/ies and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

January 29, 2019, Davao City, Philippines.

FOR: Atty. Francisco M. Campaner – the OIC Clerk of Court / Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff (sgd.) NICOLAS L. SUMAPIG Sheriff IV

10 EDGEDAVAO ANOTHER... FROM 1

“As we move closer to the creation and the installation of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) that will commence in a few days, let us celebrate this triumph of the Bangsamoro as a people, and of the entire Filipino nation,” Hataman said.

The governor said that the transition towards a new government would be more challenging, especially with the recent threats occurring right after the BOL plebiscite, including the bombing of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Jolo, Sulu, that killed 21 people and wounding 100 others; and the bombing inside a mosque grande in Zamboanga City, killing two people and four others.

Welfare secretary Masuhud, in her official statement, enumerated some of the accomplishments made under ARMM, including more roads and bridges, teachers receiving just salaries, and updated

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) memberships.

“With 23 LGUs (local government units) awarded the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), earning the number one spot in the entire Mindanao, and one of the top five regions in the country with more SGLG passers,” Masuhud said.

Commissioner Mussolini Sinsuat Lidasan of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) said that out of the 34,000 ARMM employees, only more than 80 percent will be retained, which are coming from the education, social welfare and health government offices Lidasan said that around 5,000 employees are given the option to retire, with different economic packages, depends on the number of years they have served.

Government retirees are banned from applying after five years.

UNDISPUTED... FROM 12

bronze) medals.

Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte also showed its strength in athletics by pocketing eight gold medals including four from Aaron Gumban in boys 13-15 5000m, 2000m steeplechase, 500m and 4x400m relay with Frits Gian Anasco, Dominic Jhon Gorre and Jomel Mosquiter.

Mosquiter delivered two golds in 110m hurdles and

high jump while Gorre added two mints in 400m and 800m.

Koronadal City finished fifth with 22-12-9 gold-silver-medal haul -- 20 of those coming from its archers led by the meet’s most successful athlete, John Carlo Loreno, who bagged silver medals.

Home team Tagum City also did well as it registered 13 gold, 12 silver and 18 bronze medals.

VOL.11 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 -11, 2019

JAPAN... FROM 1

January 2017, which guided the entry of investment opportunities in the area, particularly in the agriculture sector.

However, aside from the investment prospects in region, the envoy said Tokyo seeks to attract more Filipinos to visit Japan as he cited the growing tourist arrival from the Philippines in the past few years.

“Last year, half a million Filipinos visited Japan and it expanded six times over the last six years and we’d like to welcome more visitors,” Haneda said.

“Visa has been relaxed for some while and now we are giving you a 10-year visa starting last August.

We would like to welcome more Filipinos,” he added.

Japan is similarly a top source market for the Philippines.

Data from the Department of Tourism showed that the Japanese market yielded a total of 631,801 tourists in 2018 alone,

reflecting an 8.1 percent growth from the previous 584,180 figures. Manila is targeting to increase visitor arrivals from Japan to 1.37 million in 2022.

Promoting Saga Meanwhile, Japan is hyping up the promotion of Saga Prefecture, popular for the trademark Saga beef that rivals the more prominent Kobe Wagyu for its finely marbled meat and sweet, full-bodied flavor when grilled.

On Friday night, Saga Governor Yoshinori Yamaguchi visited Manila to promote their tourism products at the “Sights, Sounds, and Tastes of Saga” reception in Makati.

“There’s a lot of foreigners, including Filipinos, come here (Saga). We are enthusiastic to attract more,” Yamaguchi said.

Saga is located in the north of Kyushu and is bordered by Fukuouka Prefecture and Nagasaki Prefecture. (PNA)

mit for Barangays Officials was attended by thousands of local leaders, who gathered to discussed issues and

concerns affecting peace and order in the region, such as illegal drugs, violent extremism and criminality. (PNA)

for or against me or my administration, are bound by the same limitations of law. That is the Alunan doctrine which I am adopting because it is good for the country. Nobody, no politicians would go around

with long firearms,” he said.

The President was referring to the doctrine introduced by then interior secretary Rafael Alunan, which limits the number of a politician’s armed bodyguards to only two. (PNA)

DUTERTE... FROM 2 PRRD... FROM 3

DBP... FROM 2

tor Janet Lopoz said that the partnership is a big help in the development of Mindanao, as it takes pride of having a 7.1 percent Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) in 2017, higher than the 6.7 percent national rate. The growth rate was based on the Philippine Statistics Authori-

ty (PSA) data.

“It is a doubling challenge for MinDA to maximize its efforts for this growth to be shared to all Mindanawons,” Lopoz said.

The MOU is also one of the highlights in MinDA’s ninth anniversary, happening on February 18.

rageous, objective, fact-based journalism have never been more important,” Pruce said.

In July, the UK will be hosting an international confer-

ence in London, which seeks to gather countries and individuals to mobilize a consensus behind the protection of journalists. (PNA)

tion,” he added.

Jimenez also noted that the ballot has its normal security features, such as barcodes, and ultraviolet (UV) marks.

“The ballots will have the normal security features that we normally have -- thumb

marks, barcodes, etc. And there are a few others that I cannot tell you because of security. The UV marks can be read by the machine. If the machine is not reading it, then it will be rejected,” he said. (PNA)

ous acts.

“If they say that they were not the ones who posted the tarpaulin -- it doesn’t matter because if they knew that the materials are in violation of the election law and they just ignored it, did not do something about it and since they benefitted from the said material, they will be held responsible. So (they) might as well put these posters down,” he said.

A candidate belonging to a political party is al-

lowed to spend PHP3 per voter while an independent candidate is allowed to spend PHP5 per voter.

For political parties and party-list groups, the spending limit is PHP5 per voter.

The Comelec noted that violation of election laws constitute an offense punishable under the Omnibus Election Code in addition to administrative liability.

Meanwhile, the 45-day campaign period for local positions will begin on March 29. (PNA)

UK... FROM 2

COMELEC... FROM 3 REMOVE... FROM 5

DC cagers bag gold medal

By ADAM B. MORRELL

T Christian Mesias finds his way against Talisayan's intense defense firing 21 points to seal Davao City's place to the Finals of the boys

basketball event of the 2019 Batang Pinoy Mindanao Finals held at the Rotary Park Basketball Gym. KOII CANARIAS

AGUM CITY--Davao City are the Kings of the Hardcourt after scoring a 91-59 victory over Cagayan de Oro City in the finals of the 2019 Batang Pinoy Mindanao Leg at the Rotary Park basketball gym on Friday.

After Davao City held off the two toughest contenders in the competition in Tagum City and Talisayan, the finals was considered predictable, perhaps.

Made up mostly by Holy Child College of Davao (HCCD) and some choice pick-ups from Jose Maria College (JMC), the DC hoopsters mentored

by Nestor Sorrosa and Roger Rabago were simply unstoppable in the finals.

Closing the first half with a comfortable 40-26 lead, Davao City dictated

the entire game.

Alexander Tila and Christian Mesias led the charge by scoring 20 points each while Roldz Miguel Perez was just as hot as the score leaders, dropping 18 points from the paint.

Motivated by its sluggish start in their last two games, Davao City assured that their finals appearance would be a lot more different.

Apart from its big three, Davao City was also sparked by Jankurt Lobo, Adrian Urmenita, Dave Pansacala, Enzo Salonga, Norman Mayola, Rhyan Gomez, Francis Lindo, Ricces Ian Cuajao and Gabriel Borcegue who will fly to the National Finals 2019 slated October in Bohol.

Almost unstoppable in the eliminations to the quarterfinals and semifinals, Davao City which everyone thought was unbreakable suddenly brittled down on their face off with the shorter but meaner Talaingod.

Casting its powerhouse starters Rika Sasaki, Irina Glenne E s c a n d o r, Marianne Polancos, Allexa Mae Quilaton, Cahre Ishel Nablea and Jana Eadra Igna didn't work for Davao City that was punished with con-

secutive kills in the first set.

Expecting they would retaliate in the second set, Talaingod always had answers to Davao City's attacks. In fact, the latter's bombs were more devastating.

A thrilling sequence in the second set, however, painted a picture on how Davao City fought their hearts out.

"Maraming errors tapos hindi maganda yung reception namin sa bola," head coach Henry Labio said.

What the team lacks the most, according to Labio, was the power spikes.

"Wala pa talaga kaming pamatay na palo kaya yun," he added.

With a silver medal on hand, Davao City is still going to the National Finals on October. (Adam B. Morrell)

Silver lining for DC belles

T

AGUM CITY---Davao City's gold medal bid is over after a heartbreaking 15-25, 26-28 loss to Talaingod Municipality in the finals of the Batang Pinoy 2019 Mindanao Leg girls indoor volleyball

competition held at the University of Mindanao (UM) Tagum Gym on Friday afternoon.

The DC squad's unbeaten slate on its way to the finals didn't matter anymore.

The Davao City squad in a huddle. KOII CANARIAS

DC netter cops 2 golds

11 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.11 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 -11, 2019

Janeica Nicole Fernandez scores for Davao City. Koii Canarias

DC seals futsal gold T AGUM CITY--Cielo Camangyan sneaked in a goal in the 28th minute and that was all that Davao City needed to punch a ticket to the Batang Pinoy National Finals for Davao City in Ormoc, Leyte in October.

Camangyan’s clincher was the marginal marker to a 2-1 win over Cagayan de Oro City in the finals of the Mindanao Leg futsal competition which wrapped up on Friday at the Barangay San Miguel Gym. Coach Ching delos Reyes’ charges bailed themselves out of trouble just when their backs were against the wall.

Losing was not an option anymore for the girls who came a long way for their title bid.

Both teams were des-

Magbanua saves day for DC chess team T AGUM CITY-- Just when it seemed everything was lost for Davao City in the 2019 Batang Pinoy Mindanao Leg chess competitions, a 13-year old wiz came along to extend a winning run and prevent a shutout for his team.

Wesley Jovan Magbanua clinched the gold medal in the boy’s 13-14 years old standard division of boys chess on Friday at the Bulwagang Pangkarunungan Hall.

The promising standout of Jose Maria College (JMC), who is fresh from a gold and double bronze medal haul in last week’s Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa), emerged on top of the heap with 6.5 points in the 7-round Swiss sys-

BY KOII CANARIAS

T

AGUM CITY-Davao City’s Andrei Kenny Sing completed a golden double in boys tennis after he clinched another gold medal in singles at the close of the 2019 Batang Pinoy Mindanao Leg held at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex Ten-

nis Center on Saturday.

Sing bucked a listless second set loss to Joaquin Karl Paolo of Kidapawan City before finishing off the heated duel, 6-4, 0-6, 6-3 in the boys singles finals.

After taking the first set 6-4, Sing lapsed into a maze of errant strokes in the second set before

recovering his form in the third set to snatch his second gold medal.

Sing also won a gold in the boys team competition event in partnership with John Roddick Litang scoring a three-setter victory against their General Santos City foes last Wednesday.

perately after a slot to the National Finals from the first whistle.

CDO was way more aggressive from the get go but Camangyan’s early goal somehow made them think twice.

Davao and CDO traded attempts but it was not until the 26th minute when CDO equalized with Leizel Ann Catamco flicking a short stab that made the Davao City side crumbling in to pressure.

Camangyan, however, had other things in mind.

It was, indeed, a total breather for the team most especially for Delos Reyes as they will be flying together with Davao City’s boys under 15, boys under 13, and girls under 13 who also emerged champions in their categories. (Adam B. Morrell)

Andrei Kenny Sing stretches to return a forehand. KOII CANARIAS

tem to stand tallest among 20 other contenders from all over Mindanao.

Magbanua reigned supreme over rivals Clyde Harris Saraos of Cagayan de Oro City and Aaron Noblijas of Zamboanga City, who tallied 5.5 and 5.0, respectively.

Saraos went home with a silver while Noblijas settled for bronze.

Magbanua, meanwhile, qualified for the National Finals of the centerpiece Philippine Sports Commission grassroots sports event slated this October.

Meantime, Magbanua will play the boy’s 13-15 years old blitz category on Saturday for a chance to fish another medal for Davao City. (Adam B. Morrell)

12 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL.11 ISSUE 231 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 -11, 2019

UNDISPUTED Davao retains Batang Pinoy Mindanao overall crown T

SILVER MEDAL. The Davao City girls volleyball team at the podium with PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez (second from left), Presidential Adviser for Sports Glenn Escandor (third from left) and PSC Commissioner Charles Maxey (fourth from left). KOII CANARIAS

AGUM CITY – Davao roared with a strong finishing kick to remain as overall champion of the 2019 Batang Pinoy Mindanao leg Saturday at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex here.

Victories in various fronts, including centerpiece swimming and athletics, capped the Davaoenos’ dominance in this annual age-group contest organized by the Philippine Sports Commission and Province of Davao del Norte.

Davao cornered a total of 56 gold, 39 silver and 58 bronze medals, surpassing its 54-gold medal harvest in the previous edition of this tourney that also has STI College-Tagum and Alfalink Total Solutions as sponsors in Oroquieta City last year.

The Davao bets made big splash in the pool as sisters Liaa and Lora Amoguis spearheaded the attack in swimming, capturing a total of 17 gold medals while drawing six from athletics, four from taekwondo and four from karatedo.

And before the tournament came to a close, the Davaoenos ran away with last few mints in baseball, chess and lawn tennis.

The Davao batters led

by Harold Gapate, Richard Gabatin and JM Metillo clobbered South Cotabato to

clinch the gold medal while Wesley Magbanua ruled the 13-15 blitz boys in impressive fashion and the tandem of Harlene Herbabuena and Janinah Panisales dominated the under-13 girls’ doubles.

PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez expressed elation over the success of the first leg of this prestigious tourney meant for young athletes 15-years-old and below.

“These young athletes showed that achieving peace through sports is very possible,” said Ramirez following the event that drew close to 3,000 athletes from as far as Cotabato, Davao and Tawi-Tawi.

“Again, it’s not about championship or gold medal. It’s about our children and teaching them how to embrace unity and peace without any bias of religion, politics or ethnicity.”

Cagayan de Oro was at far second with 33 golds, 23 silvers and 42 bronze medals with Lady Jane Payla (jr grils pinweight), Angelo Lofranco (jr boys pin), Jhasli John Illudar (jr boys light fly) and Rhein Jhon Gidor (jr boys fly) bringing home boxing golds.

General Santos City came in third with 27 golds, 33 silvers and 31 bronzes, followed by Davao del Norte with 24-25-24 (gold-silver-

FUNDISPUTED, P9